Overview
At 4,566 m, Mount Meru is Africa's fifth-highest mountain and an excellent warm-up before Kilimanjaro. Climbers who do Meru first usually find the higher altitude on Kilimanjaro much easier to handle.
Meru stands inside Arusha National Park, so the walk in doubles as a wildlife experience. Giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkeys are often seen on the lower slopes, and an armed park ranger walks with your group.
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day. See our guide to combining Meru and Kilimanjaro, or contact us to book this climb ahead of your main trek.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (5 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at any time. Abakombe Tours transfers you privately to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel on the slopes of Mount Meru, and the rest of the day is free. In the evening your guide runs a pre-climb briefing, checks your gear and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
MOMELLA GATE TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT
We drive from Arusha to Momella Gate. After a short registration you start walking with an armed park ranger, and along the way you may see elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, antelope and monkeys.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Distance: about 10 km. Walking time: 4-6 hours. Habitat: montane forest. All meals included.
MIRIAKAMBA TO SADDLE HUT
A short but steep climb leads up to the saddle below Little Meru. The trail follows the ridge slowly, with dramatic views into the Meru crater and its ash cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut you can make a short climb to the top of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
Elevation: 2,514 m to 3,570 m. Distance: about 8 km. Walking time: 3-5 hours. Habitat: forest and moorland. All meals included.
SUMMIT DAY AND DESCENT TO MOMELLA GATE
An early start at about 1:30 am takes you steeply up to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and on to Cobra Point (4,350 m). You aim to reach the summit (4,566 m) for sunrise, when Kilimanjaro can often be seen floating above the clouds. The last section follows a narrow, spectacular ridge between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. After a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut, you continue all the way down to Momella Gate, where your vehicle is waiting to drive you back to Arusha.
Elevation: 3,570 m up to 4,566 m, then down to the gate. Distance: about 5 km up and 13 km down. Walking time: 12-14 hours. Habitat: alpine desert, moorland and montane forest.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
DEPARTURE FROM ARUSHA
A private transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport is included for your flight home.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Arusha National Park and ends in Mount Meru.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.